EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern Athletics is proud to launch today (Aug. 5) a rebranded and more inclusive Wildcat Fund, which is committed to providing the necessary resources to allow Northwestern's nearly 500 student-athletes to pursue excellence academically, socially and athletically. Along with new benefits, membership levels and giving opportunities comes a new internet home - TheWildcatFund.com.

The formation of the new Wildcat Fund has been a collaborative effort between current Wildcat Fund donors and Northwestern's coaches, administrators and Athletics Development Office. The impetus behind the transition was to simplify giving for contributors, increase financial support for student-athletes and recognize and reward all donors.

For the first time in Wildcat Fund history, sport specific gifts now will be recognized within the Wildcat Fund structure. This joint partnership between the 19 head coaches and Wildcat Fund leadership will lend increased support for student-athletes and programs that is necessary to remain competitive in today's college athletics landscape.

"Northwestern competes at the highest level in everything we do and it is critical to appropriately fund our programs so they remain national leaders," said Jim Phillips, Northwestern Vice President for Athletics and Recreation. "In the end, we must be able to attract the best and brightest scholar-athletes in the country."

Additional new features include a simplified parking allocation system that will begin for men's basketball in 2013-14 and football in 2014. The new system is intended to bring clarity to fans visiting Ryan Field and Welsh-Ryan Arena and capitalize on demand for premium amenities. Also new is the purple points system, which replaces the old priority points. The purple points system is designed to equitably and fairly distribute benefits and opportunities to NU's most dedicated supporters.

"We are thrilled with the final result of the new Wildcat Fund," said Daniel Solow, Director of the Wildcat Fund. "We believe this new format will lead to increased support for Northwestern student-athletes and also provide a better service to our generous fans."

Increasing financial support for Wildcats athletics is at the forefront of needs for the `Cats as Northwestern continues to succeed in the Big Ten and nationally.

"As an alum and former student-athlete, I am very excited for the new Wildcat Fund," said Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern head football coach. "We are fortunate to have so many generous supporters and this new structure will make it easier for more Northwestern fans to back our remarkable student-athletes. Having each and every one of our fans as members of the Wildcat Fund is vital to our sustained success."

Please join the Athletics Development Team at an Open Forum to learn more about the new Wildcat Fund. The Open Forums are an opportunity for NU supporters to ask questions about the new Wildcat Fund and learn more about how Wildcat Fund contributions support NU student-athletes.